§ 59. Sir J. D. REESasked what action the Government proposes to take to stop the continued importation into the United Kingdom from Switzerland of laces and embroideries which have been manufactured in Austria and finished in Switzer land; whether the Government considers as conclusive a certificate to the effect that no part of the process of manufacture has been carried out in an enemy country when such certificate is granted by an officer who has not the time or opportunity for finding out the real source of the goods declared; and whether such certificate has to be produced as a condition of the admission of the goods concerned to the United Kingdom?
Mr. RUNCIMANLace and embroidery may be imported from Switzerland only if accompanied by a British Consular certificate of origin. Such certificates are issued only if the proportion of value due to enemy labour and material does not exceed 25 per cent. of the value of the finished article. The Consular officer responsible for the certificate is an expert in the trade in whose judgment and competence His Majesty's Government have full confidence.